who the hell
is
Nathan Peterson?
By 1991, 17-year-old Nathan Peterson had dropped out of high school for the third time and was determined to find something more fulfilling. He had been introduced to punk music at age 10, and by 14, he became deeply immersed in both the musical and cultural aspects of the scene. Punk, for Nathan, was more than music—it was about challenging beliefs and embracing free thought. Punk was a lifestyle in which thoughts and beliefs were challenged; it was a culture that went beyond solely music.
At 15, Nathan began working with bands in Hollywood, often in venues that weren't all-ages. Despite his age, he wasn't questioned because of his work ethic and appearance. After two years of working with bands like Duchess De Sade and Haunted Garage he began to work with bands like Rage Against the Machine. Nathan was involved with the band from the very beginning, helping and filming their first show at CSUN in October 1991. Eventually he came to recognize a gap in the music scene—affordable and accessible venues for all ages outside the Hollywood scene —and decided to take action. In September 1991, he began planning Cell 63, and by February 1992, the first show was held in the basement of his family home in Granada Hills, California. The show was only $3 or a donation of decorations, making it accessible to everyone. Despite uncertain beginnings, the venue quickly grew in popularity, hosting bands from all over the country, while keeping ticket prices low
As the venue's success continued, Cell 63 faced numerous challenges, including police shutdowns due to noise and permitting issues. Despite these obstacles, Nathan moved the venue several times, from Granada Hills to Northridge, Sun Valley, and Winnetka. Moving from the basement to warehouse, storefronts, rehearsal spaces and cafes. Alongside running Cell 63, Nathan was picked up by Delicious Vinyl and later began his own record labels—Amalgamated Records, Mighty Records, and Love Arrow Records.
Dubbed “the home of punk” by the Los Angeles Times, Cell 63 was most active between 1992 and 1993, becoming a vital hub for local punk rockers as well as visiting acts from across the country and around the globe. During its run, the venue hosted over 80 shows and featured performances from more than 200 punk bands. Many of these acts went on to achieve iconic status in the punk scene, including Rage Against the Machine, Huggy Bear, Samiam, Jawbreaker, Face to Face, and Jughead's Revenge. Together, these bands helped define the sound and spirit of the era, solidifying Cell 63’s legacy as a cornerstone of punk culture.
In addition to his music career, Nathan developed a passion for piercing, which he discovered through the punk scene's intersection with body modification. In an iconic moment, his love of piercing and music collided when he joined them on stage to pierce bassist Tim Commerford during a live show at Club With No Name on March 20, 1992. By 1993, Nathan was balancing his work as a professional piercer, working with multiple record labels, and managing Cell 63. However, as the music scene began to evolve and Cell 63's influence waned, he increasingly turned his focus to piercing, diving deeper into underground resources such as PFIQ’s (Piercing Fans International Quarterly) and medical books. In 1998, he co-owned his first tattoo and piercing shop, Yoni. Over time, Nathan made the decision to shift his career focus entirely to piercing, finding greater stability in the tattoo and piercing industry compared to the unpredictable nature of the music world.
In 2000, Nathan decided it was time to branch out and became the sole owner of Nathan’s Tattoos and Piercings in Canoga Park, California, where he has trained over 30 piercers. The shop continues with a philosophy that embodies the same work ethic and commitment to quality that characterized his time with Cell 63, offering affordable piercings and jewelry to the San Fernando Valley.
Nathan's personal life flourished as well. He married his wife in 2014 after just 33 days of dating, and together they have two daughters. Nathan shares his love for music with his family, regularly attending shows and playing records at home. He even repurposes old punk patches and studs to make jackets for his daughters, passing down the culture that shaped his life.
Nathan's persistence in the face of adversity helped create a vibrant music scene in the San Fernando Valley in the early '90s, providing a platform for many bands to launch their careers. The impact of Cell 63 is still felt today, as it fostered a space for affordable, accessible music and culture.
As Nathan puts it,
“Music, through time and memorial, has been something that cuts through to the soul; it’s important to appreciate music and its interconnectedness.” - Nathan Person
